Race Recap: The Ryan Walsworth Virtual Spear-It 5K

I found out about the Ryan Walsworth Virtual Spear-It 5K when I was searching RunSignUp.com for budget virtual races. This run, part of the National Asparagus Festival that takes place each June in Oceana County, Michigan, was converted from an in-person event to virtual due to the pandemic. The entire festival was cancelled for the year.

It's maybe a silly reason but I've been on big asparagus kick for the last year or so and the thought of an asparagus-themed race made me laugh but was also really appealing. So, why not? I signed up kind of late so I missed the June 14th deadline to complete the race, but I got it done soon afterwards. I also added this festival in "The Asparagus Capital of the Nation" to my travel bucket list.

Virtual Race Goal
Since I ran the Sugar Skull Virtual 5K on May 31, I've had on-and-off Achilles and heel pain, so I've been trying to take it easy. My plan was to walk and not concern myself with my time.

Race Day: June 19, 2020
The physical race would have taken place on June 14. It was about 79°F with bright sunny skies and 84% humidity when I started at 8AM on June 19.

Mile 1, 2, 3+: 15:15, 15:42, 14:31, 1:32
So I had meant to walk this virtual race, but when I began I had very little heel or Achilles discomfort, so I added a few little jogs here and there. Often the pain improves as I run but that was not the case on this morning, unfortunately. At least it felt really good to sweat and get my heart pumping.

Swag
This is my new favorite race shirt. The annual asparagus festival race was forced to go virtual because of the virus so the shirt has a virus theme. So of course it has a running spear of asparagus wearing a mask. It's perfect. The medal is pretty good, too.

Recommendation
I have no idea what the physical race is like but the swag was so fun for this virtual race and I'd do it again if they have to go virtual again.

Garmin GPS elapsed time: 46:59
Cost: $23

Report written June 19, 2020